Match book



Oct. 22, 1935. E. 1.. DAVIDSON MATCH BOOK Filed Feb. 15, 19:55

A TTORNE Y.

Patented Oct. 22, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 4 Claims.

This invention relates to that type of match books in which a plurality of match sticks are secured in a readily detachable manner to a carrying base, which in turn carries a striking surface for igniting an individual detached match, the base provided with a foldable cover adapted to envelop and protect the plurality of matches during non-use'of the book and also while a single match is undergoing ignition. And this improvement has for its object:

To provide a structural formation and arrangement of parts in a match book of the above mentioned type, whereby the user is enabled to manipulate the match book with one hand, in the succeeding operations of uncovering the plurality or row of contained matches to obtain a single match and to recover and protect the remaining matches before igniting the single match just detached, all as will hereinafter more'fully appear.

In the accompanying drawing:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the device, in a closed condition adapted to protect the plurality of attached matches.

Fig. 2 is a similar view of the device in an open my condition affording access to the plurality of attached matches.

Fig. 3 is an end view of the device in a partially opened condition.

Fig. 4 is a similar view of the device in a fully 80 opened condition.

Fig. 5 is a plan of the cover blank in its unfolded state.

Fig. 6 is an end view of same.

Like reference numerals indicate like parts in 36 the different views.

In the construction shown, the base I is of an elongated rectangular shape, formed by a fixed attachment of the butt ends of one or more rows of match splints 2 together as usual in this type 40 of match books, with each match splint adapted for ready tearable removal for use as required.

A folding cover 3 of paper or like sheet material is fixedly attached to the base to form 9. protecting inclosure for the row or rows of matches 2 45 to protect the same from accidental ignition or damage.

In this improvement, the foldable cover 3 is formed from a sheet of paper or like material, which is evenly folded upon itself with its crown 50 portion 4, thus formed, adapted in a closed condition of the device to cover and protect the inflammable ends of the row or rows of matches 2,

with its respective ends 5 and 6 fixedly attached.

to the butt ends of the row or rows of matches 5 2 by wire fastenings or other usual means.

Midway between the crown portion 4 of the cover sheet and its respective end portions 5, 6, in fixed connection with the base I, said sheet is formed with transverse scores or creases I by -which the described intermediate portions are 5 formed into equal portions .8 and 9, which through the central transverse score I and the'end scores 5' and 6' are adapted to fold towards each other from a closed condition of the device, shown in Fig.

1 to a down position shown in Figs. 2 and 3 to fully 10 uncover the row or rows of matches 2, for a detachment of a match for present use. In a reverse movement of the portions 8 and 9, the same will return to their normal position and bring the crown portion 4 into its position enveloping and 15 protecting the row or rows of match splints 2.

The folding and unfolding movements of the portions 8 and 9 aforesaid, are guided in the proper directions by a sliding engagement of the hereinafter described passageway in the crown 20 portion 4 of the cover with the opposite sides of the plurality of matches held in the device.

In the preferred construction of this improvement, the fold or crown portion 4 of the cover 3 is formed with a transverse slit I0, short longitudinal slits l I at the respective ends of the slit I0, and with transverse hinge forming scores I2 extending between the respective ends of the longitudinal slits l I to provide closure flaps l3 for the transverse opening'formed by the slits l0 and H in the crown portion 4 of the cover with said opening adapted for an outward passage of the inflammable head portions of the row or rows of matches 2, and for guiding engagement with the shanks thereof in a manipulation of the device. In the preferred formation of the aforesaid transverse slit l0, it is divided along its length by one or more small and easily disrupted connecting webs l4 adapted to maintain in proper and compact relation while on sale by the retailer, with a rupture of said connection automatically in the initial operation of the device by the user.

In practical use, the match book is grasped etween the thumb and two forefingersof the user, with said forefingers having bearing at the sides of the longitudinal slits II. The user, by then exerting a closing pressure, causes the crown portion 4 to move towards the base I, the connection I4 is ruptured and the crownportion 4 moves into close relation to the base I exposing the plurality of matches 2 from the condition shown in Fig. l to the condition shown in Figs.

2 and 4, and enabling the user to detach a match for present use.

Previous to eifecting an ignition of said match Li by striking the inflammable head of the same against the base I, and with a view to safety, the user by a lateral closing pressure on the flexed portions 8, 9, shown in Figs. 2 and 4, will cause said portions to move into their original unfiexed condition as shown in Fig. 1, so that the inflammable heads of the remainder of the plurality 01' matches are enclosed and protected from accidental ignition.

Having thus fullydescribed my invention, what I claim as new, is: I

1. In a match book, the combination of a carrying base, a plurality of match splints detachably carried thereon, and a protecting covering for said splints, the same comprising a folded sheet attached at its respective ends to said base and with its crown portion formed by its fold formed with an opening for passage over'and guiding engagement with said match splints towards the base aforesaid, the portions of its cover sheet intermediate of the base and its crown portion being formed with hinge connections midway their extent to permit .of the movement of said crown portion to and from the base.

2. In a match book as specified in claim 1, wherein the opening in the crown portion of the covering is provided with closure flaps hinged at the transverse margins '01 the opening.

3. In a match book as specified in claim 1. wherein the opening in the crown portion of the covering is provided with a pair of closure flaps formed by a transverse slit in said crown portion and longitudinal slits at the respective ends of u said transverse slit.

4. In a match book as specified in claim 1,

I wherein the opening in the crown portion 0! the ELLSWORTH L. DAVIDSON. 

